For Ph.D. students and postdocs, a strong network is be one of your most important assets. Â In fact, the Office of Career Strategy recommends that you spend a significant portion of your career development efforts to make professional connections with alums and other practitioners in your areas of interest. Networking gives you an opportunity to:
- Get an insider's view into careers, job functions and workplace cultures
- Build your team of mentors
- Improve your communications and interviewing skills
- Get on the inside track to hiring decisions;Â numerous studies report that the percentage of jobs gotten through connections or referrals is surprisingly high.
Networking is a valuable exercise at any stage of your program. A professional network cannot be built overnight! Â Start by reading our tips on networking and informational interviewing, and use the resources on this page to identify and connect with professionals knowledgeable about your career interests. Â Be sure to take advantage of opportunities to meet alums and employers at campus events.
